What our MoCs said about Syria then and now

What our MoCs said about Syria then and now

We aren’t foreign policy experts, and no decision regarding force is an easy one, but that’s why consistency is important and when our elected officials publicly contradict themselves based on the Party in the White House, that matters.

Bashar Al-Assad used chemical weapons on his own people in 2013 and then-President Barack Obama did propose a red line that was crossed, but the other half of that story that our elected officials don’t often discuss is that Obama went to Congress for an AUMF (Authorized Use of Military Force), but under a Republican controlled Congress, there issue was never brought to the floor for debate.

In August 2013, at least 1,400 people were killed with Sarin gas by the Assad regime – an atrocity of unimaginable proportions. Obama is often criticized, perhaps rightfully so, for allowing Assad to cross a red line and not enforcing it. But what was the position of our elected leaders in 2013? And what about today? On April 4, 2017 at least 75 Syrian civilians, including dozens of children were killed by the Assad regime again using what is now believed to be Sarin gas.

Sen. Mike Crapo

September 10, 2013

CASE STILL NOT MADE THAT A STRIKE IN SYRIA IS IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST

“The United States should engage in military strikes against another nation only when our national security requires it, after other options have been ruled out,” Crapo said. “And, when our national security interests justify military action against another nation, the action should be carefully designed and effectively implemented to achieve our security related objectives. The national security interest necessary to justify this intervention has not yet been sufficiently shown. And the limited, narrow response being proposed is more likely to harm, rather than protect our security interests.”Source: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-responds-to-presidential-address-on-syria

April 7, 2017

Mike Crapo Boise: 208-334-1176Mike Crapo DC: 202-224-6142

Sen. James Risch

September 4, 2013

“I’m really concerned about the plan itself, number one, and number two, the fallout from this. What’s going to happen after there is an attack by the United States on Syria? And how is the United States going to respond to that?”

Rep. Mike Simpson

August 28, 2013“Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joins fellow Members of Congress in signing a letter to the President of the United States regarding the use of military force in Syria. Members are requesting President Obama seek congressional authorization before ordering the use of U.S. military force.”

“I am very concerned about the consequences of engaging U.S. assets in another foreign conflict and believe the White House should consult with Congress before taking any action in Syria.”

April 7, 2017“I support the President’s action against the Assad regime. The United States of America took a strong stand tonight against the unfathomable act Bashar al-Assad conducted this week by murdering innocent men, women and children with a chemical attack.”

Rep. Raul Labrador

September 10, 2013“I gave the Administration a chance to make their case, but they couldn’t make it,” said Rep. Labrador. “Nothing they said changed the fact that we are not the police force of the world, we don’t have any compelling national interest in Syria, and it’s doubtful that an alternative government in Syria will be any better than the current one. While no one doubts that Bashar al-Assad is a brutal dictator, it’s very likely that removing him power will embolden al-Qaeda and other terrorists.

“We also can’t rule out the possibility that – despite the Administration’s assurances – a Congressional authorization to use force against Syria will lead to the use of U.S. ground forces. After our experience in Iraq, I couldn’t think of anything worse than putting our brave servicemen and women in harm’s way to police a civil war in a land in which we have no vital interests. Better options are available, and we should use them.

“I will vote ‘no’ on any Congressional authorization to use force against Syria, and I will encourage my colleagues to do the same.”

April 7, 2017“Like all Americans, I was appalled by the use of chemical weapons in Syria and heartbroken that so many innocent people fell victim in such a heinous way. The Syrian government’s abuse of human rights is unacceptable and deserves a strong, thoughtful response from the United States and all civilized nations. However, our response must be in the best interests of the American people and approved by Congress through the deliberative process outlined in our Constitution. President Trump needs to have an active dialogue with Congress about not only yesterday’s attack but also any further engagement in Syria.”